Real Absence is Real Presence?

 6 Easter   C      May 22, 2022          

Acts 14:8-18  Ps. 67

Rev. 21:22-22:5  John 14:23-29

 Lectionary Link

 

The Gospel of John in many ways is the persuasive writing of the Johannine church, more than fifty years after Jesus.  The writer is part of a community who believe themselves to be able to write in first person, words of Jesus with the following contradiction: My real absence is also my real presence.

 

From the doubting Thomas story to the promotion of Gospel writing as a means of coming to belief, the Gospel of John is about the reality of a different kind of presence than the physical body of Jesus in history; it is about the Real Presence of the Risen, Ascended, glorified Christ in the lives of people who want to realize it.  The Real Presence of the Risen Christ is a different sort of presence than Jesus in his physical body.  It happens because the Holy Spirit who was in Jesus is also the Holy Spirit who is in us.  It is the Holy Spirit who makes the Christ Nature evident in us.

 

And if we call earth our home because it is where we live and have our roots, we could also call the earth, God's home, and God's body because the traces of the maker reside in all of what has come to be.

 

You and I know that home can used in a general sense, as in the earth and the universe as our home, but it can also be used in the very particular sense, namely the very personal places where we live.  I think that most everyone who is happy, is so, because they can say that their home is a favorite place.  What makes a home special?  A place to sleep.  A place of privacy.  A place of comfort.  A place to serve food.  A safe place with people who tolerate one's habits. 

 

The amazing thing about the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John, is the assertion that God, our heavenly parent wants to make a home in us.  God's most specific home within the general home of the universe is within human people, who we believe to most distinctly bear the image of God because we, following Christ the eternal Word, bear on our lives the ability of language which is the essence of relationship, communication, and the differential labeling of everything in creation.

 

The words of Jesus indicated to us that God considers us to be divine dwelling places, homes for the divine presence.  And how are we to know the divine dwelling?  By the Holy Spirit.  The same inner essence of the life of Jesus, is to be the essence of our inner lives.  And what is the result?  The result is the experience of peace, which casts out fear and relieves the troubled heart.

 

Each of us more than anything probably wants our homes to be peaceful.  And what makes our homes peaceful?  When each person realizes the peaceful interior life of the Risen Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

And this is how the real absence of the historical Jesus can be known as the real presence of the Risen Christ within us.  We are the tabernacle of the abiding presence of God if we can be persuaded to understand our lives in this way.  The receptacle for holding the consecrated bread is called a tabernacle.  It symbolizes the dwelling of the Risen Christ being made known under the special consecrated bread, but also symbolizing that each human being is made to be a tabernacle for the presence of Christ, signifying that God has made us as a home for the divine presence.

 

And if we can live this way, we can live the life of blessing as is expressed in our appointed Psalm.  We can be those who offer the saving health of God to all people.

 

Lydia, who came to understand that God resided in her life, wanted Paul to stay at her home.  The Gospel is a message which makes people want to practice hospitality and be at home with each other.

 

The Gospel is also the perpetual vision of futurism, as is seen in the writing of John the Divine.  We always need a vision of a perfect city, a place where people live together well.  We always need water, fruit, and healing.  To know the homing of God within our lives is to be able to live from the perpetual vision of futurism of the better life of peace, healing, the sustenance of quenched thirst and well-fed souls with fruit from the tree of life.

 

Today, let us accept the Gospel of God making a home in us.  And let us go forth to share the good news that God wants everyone to know that they can know themselves to be a dwelling place of God.  Amen.

Sunday School, May 22, 2022 6 Easter C

 Sunday School, May 22, 2022     6 Easter C

The followers of Jesus wrote about the life of Jesus after they had “graduated” from the school of Jesus.

What did the followers of Jesus do?  They prayed together.  They studied the Bible together.  They preached good news about God’s love and forgiveness.  They prayed for sick people.  They share their food, clothing, homes and money with people who were in need.  They ate the Holy Meal of Eucharist together.  They welcomed people into their community through baptized.

And what did they realize?  They realized that they were doing exactly what Jesus taught them.  And when they realized this, they remember that before Jesus left he had told them that he would be with them and give them a helper after he was gone.

When we teach someone we leave something of our self in the person whom we taught.  Jesus was the teacher of his followers and when he was gone, his followers realized that the life of Jesus from his teaching was with them and it included a power and ability to continue to do the good things which Jesus taught them.

One of ways in which a person never dies is to pass on the wonderful gifts of one’s life to other people.  When a person teaches or helps or gives something to another person, a person lives on forever with the people who received the gift.  And the people who are taught also keep teaching and so many people continual to live on.

Today, we celebrate that Jesus and all of the followers of Jesus who have been in the church for over 2000 year continue to live on in us now.  We have the opportunity to keep the life of Jesus alive in our world as we pass what we have learned from Jesus to other people.

Jesus told his students that what he taught them would stay with them because the Holy Spirit would continue to help them learn and remember about the life of Jesus.

The Good News for us today is this:  When we teach and give and help others, it means that we will in very important ways, live forever.

Let us join with Jesus and Christians of all times continue to pass on to others the good news of God’s love and care.  In this way, we will continue to live forever with Christ.

Children’s Sermon

  Can you brush your teeth by yourself?  Can you wash your hands by yourself?  Can you eat with a fork and a spoon by yourself?  Who taught you to do all of these things?  Your mom or your dad did or maybe your big brother or sister.

  The older that you get, the more things you learn.  And when you learn things you do not have to have your mom and dad there with you to do them for you.

  So what things can you do on your own now?  Can you brush your hair?  Can you make your bed?  Can you clean your room?  Can you take your dishes from the table into the kitchen?  Can you read a book?  Can you take care of your pets?

  Yes you are learning to do many things by yourself now.  Your mom and dad used to have to help you but now you can do them yourself.  So it’s like your parents have been your teachers and when they are not with you it is like they are still with you because they have taught you to do so many things to do by yourself, you don’t need them to help you with them anymore.

  When Jesus knew that he was going to leave this earth and when he knew that he would not be with his friends, he told them that when he left that he would leave a teacher with them. Or a helper or an advocate.

  So when the friends of Jesus who were students of Jesus did not see him anymore, they would still know what to do, because he taught them so well, it was like he was still with them, even though he was gone.

  Did you know that life is all about learning and teaching.  When you learn how to do something, it means that you too will become a teacher to help someone else learn.

  When we learn from our parents and teachers, it means that they do not have to be with us all of the time to do things for us.

  When we teach someone something, it is like we leave a part of ourselves in them.  Because every time they do something that we taught them, it is like we are still with them.

  Jesus told his students that he was going to leave, but he promised that he would still be with them.  And how was he with them?  He taught them to do things well, so when they did things on their own, they knew that it was like their teacher Jesus was still with them.

  Remember our life is about learning and teaching.  When you learn, your parents and teachers will always be with you when you do what you learned from them.

  And you too will be a teacher, when you help others to learn.

    Jesus was such a good teacher, that his friend knew that he was with them even when they did not see him.  Let us learn to be good students and good teachers, too.  Amen.

Family Service with Holy Eucharist
May 22, 2022     6 Easter C

Gathering Songs: If You’re Happy and You Know It, God Is So Good, Eat This Bread, Awesome God

Liturgist: Alleluia, Christ is Risen.

People: The Lord is Risen Indeed.  Alleluia.

Liturgist:  Oh God, Our hearts are open to you.

And you know us and we can hide nothing from you.

Prepare our hearts and our minds to love you and worship you.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Song: If You’re Happy And You Know It, (Christian Children’s Songbook, # 124)

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.  If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.  If you’re happy and you know, then your face should surely show it.  If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet.  If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.  If you’re happy and you know, then your face should surely show it.   If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet.

If you’re happy and you know it, shout, Amen! Amen!  If you’re happy and you know it, shout, Amen! Amen!  If you’re happy and you know it, then your face should surely show it. If you’re happy and you know it, shout Amen!  Amen!

Liturgist:         The Lord be with you.

People:            And also with you.

Liturgist:  Let us pray

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Litany of Praise: Chant: Alleluia

O God, you are Great!  Alleluia

O God, you have made us! Alleluia

O God, you have made yourself known to us!  Alleluia

O God, you have provided us with us a Savior!  Alleluia

O God, you have given us a Christian family!  Alleluia

O God, you have forgiven our sins!  Alleluia

O God, you brought your Son Jesus back from the dead!  Alleluia

A reading from the Revelation to John:

In the spirit the angel carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day-- and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

Liturgist: The Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

Liturgist: Let us read together from Psalm 67

Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has brought forth her increase; * may God, our own God, give us his blessing.

May God give us his blessing, * and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

Litany Phrase: Thanks be to God! (chanted)

Litanist:

For the good earth, for our food and clothing. Thanks be to God!

For our families and friends. Thanks be to God!

For the talents and gifts that you have given to us. Thanks be to God!

For this day of worship. Thanks be to God!

For health and for a good night’s sleep. Thanks be to God!

For work and for play. Thanks be to God!

For teaching and for learning. Thanks be to God!

For the happy events of our lives. Thanks be to God!

For the celebration of the birthdays and anniversaries of our friends and parish family.

   Thanks be to God!

For the special blessing of our Mothers whom we honor today.  Thanks be to God!

Liturgist:         The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John

People:            Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to Judas (not Iscariot), "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. "I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, `I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe."

Liturgist:         The Gospel of the Lord.

People:            Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon – Father Phil

Children’s Creed

We did not make ourselves, so we believe that God the Father is the maker of the world.

Since God is so great and we are so small,

We believe God came into our world and was born as Jesus, son of the Virgin Mary.

We need God’s help and we believe that God saved us by the life, death and

     resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We believe that God is present with us now as the Holy Spirit.

We believe that we are baptized into God’s family the Church where everyone is

     welcome.

We believe that Christ is kind and fair.

We believe that we have a future in knowing Jesus Christ.

And since we all must die, we believe that God will preserve us forever.  Amen.

Litany Phrase: Christ, have mercy.

For fighting and war to cease in our world. Christ, have mercy.

For peace on earth and good will towards all. Christ, have mercy.

For the safety of all who travel. Christ, have mercy.

For jobs for all who need them. Christ, have mercy.

For care of those who are growing old. Christ, have mercy.

For the safety, health and nutrition of all the children in our world. Christ, have mercy.

For the well-being of our families and friends. Christ, have mercy.

For the good health of those we know to be ill. Christ, have mercy.

For the remembrance of those who have died. Christ, have mercy.

For the forgiveness of all of our sins. Christ, have mercy.

Youth Liturgist:          The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

People:                        And also with you.

Song during the preparation of the Altar and the receiving of an offering

Offertory Song: God Is So Good, (Christian Children’s Songbook, # 73)

God is so good.  Good is so good.  God is so good; he’s so good to me.

He cares for me.  He cares for me.  He cares for me; he’s so good to me.

I love him so.  I love him so.  I love him so; he’s so good to me.

I’ll praise his name.  I’ll praise his name.  I’ll praise his name; he’s so good to me.

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Prologue to the Eucharist

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, for to them belong the kingdom of heaven.”

All become members of a family by birth or adoption.

Baptism is a celebration of birth into the family of God.

A family meal gathers and sustains each human family.

The Holy Eucharist is the special meal that Jesus gave to his friends to keep us together as the family of Christ.

The Lord be with you

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to God.

It is right to give God thanks and praise.

It is very good and right to give thanks, because God made us, Jesus redeemed us and the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts.  Therefore with Angels and Archangels and all of the world that we see and don’t see, we forever sing this hymn of praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy (Intoned)

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might.  Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 

Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the Highest.

(All may gather around the altar)

Our grateful praise we offer to you God, our Creator;

You have made us in your image

And you gave us many men and women of faith to help us to live by faith:

Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachael.

And then you gave us your Son, Jesus, born of Mary, nurtured by Joseph

And he called us to be sons and daughters of God.

Your Son called us to live better lives and he gave us this Holy Meal so that when we eat

  the bread and drink the wine, we can  know that the Presence of Christ is as near to us as  

  this food and drink  that becomes a part of us.

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts of bread and wine. Bless and sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Bless and sanctify us by your Holy Spirit so that we may love God and our neighbor.

On the night when Jesus was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, "Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. When we eat this holy Meal of Bread and Wine, we are telling the entire world about the life, death and resurrection of Christ and that his presence will be with us in our future.

Let this holy meal keep us together as friends who share a special relationship because of your Son Jesus Christ.  May we forever live with praise to God to whom we belong as sons and daughters.

By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory

 is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now sing,

Our Father: (Renew # 180, West Indian Lord’s Prayer)

Our Father who art in heaven:  Hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done: Hallowed be thy name.

Done on earth as it is in heaven: Hallowed be thy name.

Give us this day our daily bread: Hallowed be thy name.

And forgive us all our debts: Hallowed be thy name.

As we forgive our debtors: Hallowed be thy name.

Lead us not into temptation: Hallowed be thy name.

But deliver us from evil: Hallowed be thy name.

Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory: Hallowed be thy name.

Forever and ever: Hallowed be thy name.

Amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.

Amen, amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.

Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant:       Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

People:            Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia! 

Words of Administration

Communion       Song: Eat This Bread (Renew!, # 228)

Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry. 

Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in me and you will not thirst.

Post-Communion Prayer

Everlasting God, we have gathered for the meal that Jesus asked us to keep;

We have remembered his words of blessing on the bread and the wine.

And His Presence has been known to us.

We have remembered that we are sons and daughters of God and brothers

    and sisters in Christ.

Send us forth now into our everyday lives remembering that the blessing in the

     bread and wine spreads into each time, place and person in our lives,

As we are ever blessed by you, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Closing Song: Awesome God (Renew!  # 245)

Our God is an awesome God.  He reigns from heaven above.   With wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God.

(Sung three times)

Dismissal:   

Liturgist: Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.

People: Thanks be to God!  Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

6 Easter   C       May 26, 2019            

Acts 14:8-18      Ps. 67

Rev. 21:22-22:5      John 14:23-29

Lectionary Link

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

The Gospel of John could include a study of the word, "world," or cosmos" in Greek.  God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.  Cosmos in earlier times referred to the physical world and the universe as we know it, but in the writings of John it is used primarily to refer to the lives of humanity with attitudes and values which stand in opposition to God.

The writer of John believed that Jesus came to teach us how to live in the world but not be "of" the world.  How indeed can we live in our American world and not be "of" our American world?  The Amish are in America but they don't really see themselves as being "of" America.

The Christians of the community of John's Gospel lived in the Roman world and since the power and the authority of the Emperor was so pervasive, it was impossible for Christians not to live in the Roman world.  Christians actually  enjoyed some of the privileges of the Roman World, the Pax Romana, the Roman Peace, the peace that came because the Caesar's armies defeated all opposition so that Roman law and order could be promulgated throughout the world.  The practice of external law and order is a kind of peace and a very valuable peace.  Such peace allows for everyday commerce to transpire without conflict.

Jesus was not a Messiah like a Caesar; he did not bring his angels to control the nations of the world and establish a theocracy with Christian laws for the entire world.

Jesus brought a different kind of law and order, a law of the interior world, a law and practice of the Spirit.  How did this spiritual realm of Jesus come to be?  He came and he taught words and life actions; he preached and he healed.  He modeled what love and justice and peace would look like in human behaviors.  And doing such in a profound way, he attracted followers.  His words became interior to the lives of his followers.  His words were spirit and life for his followers.  They were like interior motivating engines of actions and behaviors of love and justice.  They were dynamic; so much so that they were able to be replicated and passed on to new followers who passed this spirit of living, this way of love and peace on to others.

When the Gospel of John was written, it was written partly because the writers were amazed at the success of what Jesus had started and instituted in this world.  Why are we still alive and well as a gathering community?  Why are we writing a Gospel about Jesus of Nazareth?  How are the words and deeds and practices of our community related to the life of Jesus?  We must write the connection of our community experience with the life of Jesus as we remember him, as the memories of Jesus was shared by those who knew him.

How are the words and acts of the apostles and early Christians connected with the life of Jesus of Nazareth?  This question is the question which is answered and explained by the writings of the New Testament.

And today, we ask, "How are the words and the acts of the people of St. John the Divine connected with the words and acts of Jesus of Nazareth?"  How has the life of Jesus Christ been kept alive for you and me?

Well what have we done today?  We've gathered.  We've read Scriptures.  We are listening to the feeble attempt of a preacher to explain to why Jesus is relevant to us.  We are convening again the Christian meals as commanded by Jesus and as practiced continuously in our tradition.  We've come to confess our sins; and hear the declaration of forgiveness.  We've come to pass the peace to each other.  We've come to worship in the silence of contemplation, in the singing of hymns with poetic words of inspiration.  We've chanted the Psalms.  And if we do not think that we are connected with Christ, it is because Christ in not out there, Christ is in here, Christ is through us doing Christly things through us.

I think we may often be childish and uninterested in church because we're still looking for Jesus as an idol out "there" to entertain us.  We are supposed to be Christ doing the gathered church together.  Christ is here because Christ is in us being and doing Christ through us.  Jesus said that God would make the divine home within us.

Jesus said, "I am going away and I am coming to you."  Each of your bodies is going to be a home dwelling for the abiding of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Friends, we come to church not to find Christ, but to be Christ.  That is to let Christ by the Spirit pass through our lives as living conductors of the energy of the Risen Christ.

Let us accept the peace of Christ as a peace that is not out there; it comes when we cease to look for Christ as a sacred object of worship and when we become Christ being and doing the church when we gather together and when we disperse to take Christ in us to all of the places and people of our lives.

Please don't doubt that Christ is in and through you.  If we as the people of St. John's will continue to gather, accepting that Christ is in and through us, then we will perpetuate the words and deeds of Christ to this community, for many years to come.  Today we are gathered because we've said to God, "Mi casa es su casa," My house is your house.  O God in your fullness abide in us always.  Amen.

Sunday School, May 26, 2019 6 Easter C

Sunday School, May 26, 2019     6 Easter C

The followers of Jesus wrote about the life of Jesus after they had “graduated” from the school of Jesus.

What did the followers of Jesus do?  They prayed together.  They studied the Bible together.  They preached good news about God’s love and forgiveness.  They prayed for sick people.  They share their food, clothing, homes and money with people who were in need.  They ate the Holy Meal of Eucharist together.  They welcomed people into their community through baptized.

And what did they realize?  They realized that they were doing exactly what Jesus taught them.  And when they realized this, they remember that before Jesus left he had told them that he would be with them and give them a helper after he was gone.

When we teach someone we leave something of our self in the person whom we taught.  Jesus was the teacher of his followers and when he was gone, his followers realized that the life of Jesus from his teaching was with them and it included a power and ability to continue to do the good things which Jesus taught them.

One of ways in which a person never dies is to pass on the wonderful gifts of one’s life to other people.  When a person teaches or helps or gives something to another person, a person lives on forever with the people who received the gift.  And the people who are taught also keep teaching and so many people continual to live on.

Today, we celebrate that Jesus and all of the followers of Jesus who have been in the church for over 2000 year continue to live on in us now.  We have the opportunity to keep the life of Jesus alive in our world as we pass what we have learned from Jesus to other people.

Jesus told his students that what he taught them would stay with them because the Holy Spirit would continue to help them learn and remember about the life of Jesus.

The Good News for us today is this:  When we teach and give and help others, it means that we will in very important ways, live forever.

Let us join with Jesus and Christians of all times continue to pass on to others the good news of God’s love and care.  In this way, we will continue to live forever with Christ.

Children’s Sermon

  Can you brush your teeth by yourself?  Can you wash your hands by yourself?  Can you eat with a fork and a spoon by yourself?  Who taught you to do all of these things?  Your mom or your dad did or maybe your big brother or sister.

  The older that you get, the more things you learn.  And when you learn things you do not have to have your mom and dad there with you to do them for you.

  So what things can you do on your own now?  Can you brush your hair?  Can you make your bed?  Can you clean your room?  Can you take your dishes from the table into the kitchen?  Can you read a book?  Can you take care of your pets?

  Yes you are learning to do many things by yourself now.  Your mom and dad used to have to help you but now you can do them yourself.  So it’s like your parents have been your teachers and when they are not with you it is like they are still with you because they have taught you to do so many things to do by yourself, you don’t need them to help you with them anymore.

  When Jesus knew that he was going to leave this earth and when he knew that he would not be with his friends, he told them that when he left that he would leave a teacher with them. Or a helper or an advocate.

  So when the friends of Jesus who were students of Jesus did not see him anymore, they would still know what to do, because he taught them so well, it was like he was still with them, even though he was gone.

  Did you know that life is all about learning and teaching.  When you learn how to do something, it means that you too will become a teacher to help someone else learn.

  When we learn from our parents and teachers, it means that they do not have to be with us all of the time to do things for us.

  When we teach someone something, it is like we leave a part of ourselves in them.  Because every time they do something that we taught them, it is like we are still with them.

  Jesus told his students that he was going to leave, but he promised that he would still be with them.  And how was he with them?  He taught them to do things well, so when they did things on their own, they knew that it was like their teacher Jesus was still with them.

  Remember our life is about learning and teaching.  When you learn, your parents and teachers will always be with you when you do what you learned from them.

  And you too will be a teacher, when you help others to learn.

    Jesus was such a good teacher, that his friend knew that he was with them even when they did not see him.  Let us learn to be good students and good teachers, too.  Amen.

St. John the Divine Episcopal Church

17740 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Family Service with Holy Eucharist
May 26, 2019     6 Easter C

Gathering Songs: If You’re Happy and You Know It, God Is So Good, Eat This Bread, Awesome God

Liturgist: Alleluia, Christ is Risen.

People: The Lord is Risen Indeed.  Alleluia.

Liturgist:  Oh God, Our hearts are open to you.

And you know us and we can hide nothing from you.

Prepare our hearts and our minds to love you and worship you.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Song: If You’re Happy And You Know It, (Christian Children’s Songbook, # 124)

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.  If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.  If you’re happy and you know, then your face should surely show it.  If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet.  If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.  If you’re happy and you know, then your face should surely show it.   If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet.

If you’re happy and you know it, shout, Amen! Amen!  If you’re happy and you know it, shout, Amen! Amen!  If you’re happy and you know it, then your face should surely show it. If you’re happy and you know it, shout Amen!  Amen!

Liturgist:         The Lord be with you.

People:            And also with you.

Liturgist:  Let us pray

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Litany of Praise: Chant: Alleluia

O God, you are Great!  Alleluia

O God, you have made us! Alleluia

O God, you have made yourself known to us!  Alleluia

O God, you have provided us with us a Savior!  Alleluia

O God, you have given us a Christian family!  Alleluia

O God, you have forgiven our sins!  Alleluia

O God, you brought your Son Jesus back from the dead!  Alleluia

A reading from the Revelation to John:

In the spirit the angel carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day-- and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

Liturgist: The Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

Liturgist: Let us read together from Psalm 67

Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has brought forth her increase; * may God, our own God, give us his blessing.

May God give us his blessing, * and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

Litany Phrase: Thanks be to God! (chanted)

Litanist:

For the good earth, for our food and clothing. Thanks be to God!

For our families and friends. Thanks be to God!

For the talents and gifts that you have given to us. Thanks be to God!

For this day of worship. Thanks be to God!

For health and for a good night’s sleep. Thanks be to God!

For work and for play. Thanks be to God!

For teaching and for learning. Thanks be to God!

For the happy events of our lives. Thanks be to God!

For the celebration of the birthdays and anniversaries of our friends and parish family.

   Thanks be to God!

For the special blessing of our Mothers whom we honor today.  Thanks be to God!

Liturgist:         The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John

People:            Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to Judas (not Iscariot), "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. "I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, `I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe."

Liturgist:         The Gospel of the Lord.

People:            Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon – Father Phil

Children’s Creed

We did not make ourselves, so we believe that God the Father is the maker of the world.

Since God is so great and we are so small,

We believe God came into our world and was born as Jesus, son of the Virgin Mary.

We need God’s help and we believe that God saved us by the life, death and

     resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We believe that God is present with us now as the Holy Spirit.

We believe that we are baptized into God’s family the Church where everyone is

     welcome.

We believe that Christ is kind and fair.

We believe that we have a future in knowing Jesus Christ.

And since we all must die, we believe that God will preserve us forever.  Amen.

Litany Phrase: Christ, have mercy.

For fighting and war to cease in our world. Christ, have mercy.

For peace on earth and good will towards all. Christ, have mercy.

For the safety of all who travel. Christ, have mercy.

For jobs for all who need them. Christ, have mercy.

For care of those who are growing old. Christ, have mercy.

For the safety, health and nutrition of all the children in our world. Christ, have mercy.

For the well-being of our families and friends. Christ, have mercy.

For the good health of those we know to be ill. Christ, have mercy.

For the remembrance of those who have died. Christ, have mercy.

For the forgiveness of all of our sins. Christ, have mercy.

Youth Liturgist:          The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

People:                        And also with you.

Song during the preparation of the Altar and the receiving of an offering

Offertory Song: God Is So Good, (Christian Children’s Songbook, # 73)

God is so good.  Good is so good.  God is so good; he’s so good to me.

He cares for me.  He cares for me.  He cares for me; he’s so good to me.

I love him so.  I love him so.  I love him so; he’s so good to me.

I’ll praise his name.  I’ll praise his name.  I’ll praise his name; he’s so good to me.

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Prologue to the Eucharist

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, for to them belong the kingdom of heaven.”

All become members of a family by birth or adoption.

Baptism is a celebration of birth into the family of God.

A family meal gathers and sustains each human family.

The Holy Eucharist is the special meal that Jesus gave to his friends to keep us together as the family of Christ.

The Lord be with you

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to God.

It is right to give God thanks and praise.

It is very good and right to give thanks, because God made us, Jesus redeemed us and the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts.  Therefore with Angels and Archangels and all of the world that we see and don’t see, we forever sing this hymn of praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy (Intoned)

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might.  Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 

Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the Highest.

(All may gather around the altar)

Our grateful praise we offer to you God, our Creator;

You have made us in your image

And you gave us many men and women of faith to help us to live by faith:

Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachael.

And then you gave us your Son, Jesus, born of Mary, nurtured by Joseph

And he called us to be sons and daughters of God.

Your Son called us to live better lives and he gave us this Holy Meal so that when we eat

  the bread and drink the wine, we can  know that the Presence of Christ is as near to us as  

  this food and drink  that becomes a part of us.

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts of bread and wine. Bless and sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Bless and sanctify us by your Holy Spirit so that we may love God and our neighbor.

On the night when Jesus was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, "Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. When we eat this holy Meal of Bread and Wine, we are telling the entire world about the life, death and resurrection of Christ and that his presence will be with us in our future.

Let this holy meal keep us together as friends who share a special relationship because of your Son Jesus Christ.  May we forever live with praise to God to whom we belong as sons and daughters.

By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory

 is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now sing,

Our Father: (Renew # 180, West Indian Lord’s Prayer)

Our Father who art in heaven:  Hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done: Hallowed be thy name.

Done on earth as it is in heaven: Hallowed be thy name.

Give us this day our daily bread: Hallowed be thy name.

And forgive us all our debts: Hallowed be thy name.

As we forgive our debtors: Hallowed be thy name.

Lead us not into temptation: Hallowed be thy name.

But deliver us from evil: Hallowed be thy name.

Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory: Hallowed be thy name.

Forever and ever: Hallowed be thy name.

Amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.

Amen, amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.

Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant:       Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

People:            Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia! 

Words of Administration

Communion       Song: Eat This Bread (Renew!, # 228)

Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry. 

Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in me and you will not thirst.

Post-Communion Prayer

Everlasting God, we have gathered for the meal that Jesus asked us to keep;

We have remembered his words of blessing on the bread and the wine.

And His Presence has been known to us.

We have remembered that we are sons and daughters of God and brothers

    and sisters in Christ.

Send us forth now into our everyday lives remembering that the blessing in the

     bread and wine spreads into each time, place and person in our lives,

As we are ever blessed by you, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Closing Song: Awesome God (Renew!  # 245)

Our God is an awesome God.  He reigns from heaven above.   With wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God.

(Sung three times)

Dismissal:   

Liturgist: Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.

People: Thanks be to God!  Alleluia!  Alleluia!